Tuesday, March 27, 2012

MALAKOFF 17KM & 7KM, PENANG 2012 RUN ATTRACTS MORE THAN 1,300
LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL ATHLETES

‘Run with Family and Friends’ Awards Product Vouchers Worth RM20,000

25 March 2012, Penang, Malaysia – Malakoff Corporation Berhad (Malakoff) today successfully hosted the Malakoff 17km and 7km, Penang 2012, a ‘Run with Family and Friends’ event at Padang Kota Lama with a record 1,300 local and international athletes competing for product vouchers worth RM20,000.

Currently in its fifth consecutive year, the Run, an integral part of the Company’s flagship CSR platform – the Malakoff Community Partnerships saw the participation of racers from across Malaysia as well as from the local expatriate community. The Run aims to encourage a healthy and active lifestyle among people of various backgrounds and fitness levels.

At the prize presentation ceremony, Yang Berhormat Puan Lydia Ong Kok Fooi, Chairman of State Youth, and Sports and Women, Family and Community Development Committee said, “I am delighted that the Malakoff 17km and 7km, Penang 2012 was such a success. In line with the Penang State Government’s ‘Healthy Active Lifestyle towards a Harmonious Community’, I am pleased that many of the athletes raced with their family and friends.”

“Furthermore, Malakoff’s sponsorship of today’s Run has provided a good platform for the State Government to propagate this community message even further. This is the kind of support we seek from corporations to work hand in hand with us for the benefit of the community,” she added.

Since the inaugural Run in 2008, the Malakoff Penang Run has continued to receive encouraging support from the running community. From an initial count of 450 athletes in the inaugural race, participation has more than tripled this year, drawing a sizeable number of participants from all over the country as well as runners who are natives of countries such as Austria, Australia, Canada, Germany, Japan, Kenya, Korea, Singapore, and the USA.

To further attract greater participation, this year’s Run was shortened to 17km and 7 km as compared to the 26km and 8km in the previous years. Additionally, a new race course was also introduced to cover more scenic locations in Penang such as the Gurney Drive and Straits Quay as well as historical landmarks such as the Fort Cornwallis and Fort Point Lighthouse.

At the event, Yusop Rashid, Head of Corporate Affairs and External Relations for Malakoff said, “The Malakoff Penang Run has been an annual affair given its surging popularity over the years. Apart from promoting a healthy lifestyle, this sporting event also brings together people from various backgrounds across the country to Penang, thus fostering fellowship among the athletes.”

“We are pleased with the overwhelming turnout of athletes who raced along with their family and friends. This encouraging response from the public is certainly a key driver for Malakoff to continue to organise this event,” he added.

The 17km race was open in six categories: Men's Open, Veteran and Senior Veteran plus the Women's Open, Veteran and Senior Veteran, while the 7km race was opened in two categories for beginners: the Fun Run and Junior Fun Run.

To further encourage the athletes, certificate and goodie bags were presented to all participants who completed the race within the specified qualifying time.

Participating in the Malakoff Penang Run for the second time in a row, 49 year old Khir Bin Salleh who won the top spot for the Men’s Veteren category was all gung-ho about his win. He said, “The race not only allows me to pursue my passion for running, it also provided us a platform to spend quality time with my family and circle of close friends.”

True to the theme of ‘Run with Family and Friends’, the exhilarated winner who was joined by his wife and children in the run, added, “We enjoyed the race so much that now we are all looking forward to participate again in the race next year.”

The top finisher for the Girl’s Junior Fun Run category, Cheng Hei Di, 13, who also joined the race together with her mother and sibling said, “I am overjoyed having raced together with my family. I hope to participate again next year and conquer the 17km race category.”

Her brother, Cheng Ken Tze, 11, remarked, “Though this was my first race, this run offered a fun time for my family to spend quality time together. We have also made new friends with other participants and their family.”

For further information on the race results and photographs of the Malakoff 17km and 7km, Penang 2012 Run please visit www.malakoffrun.com.my.

Saturday, March 24, 2012

It seems like yesterday when Nicole and the Pussycat Dolls performed in Malaysia! She was here in 2006 for the PCD World Tour in Sunway Lagoon.

But of course, she has so much less clothes on her the last time she visited Malaysia. Heheh! The organiser of the event was slapped with a RM 10,000 Ringgits fine for the girl group's "sexually suggestive" routines and revealing clothes.

We were very fortunate to be able to attend her press conference with Kelis yesterday afternoon before the show. The invite was sent out like 30 mins before the PC. Luckily we checked our email and made a mad dash to The Grand Millenium where the PC was held. Heheh!

Nicole looks absolutely stunning in her peach one shoulder dress. (Insert two thums up here!)

The media was briefed not to asker her about two things before the press con. One - not to ask her about X-Factor (Her contact as judge was not renewed for second season). And Two, not to ask about her race car driver Lewis Hamilton. But Nicole loves talking about him anyway. She said she loves F1 because she will do anything for her man. Aw....so schweet!

To assist runners in preparing themselves for the Energizer Night Race 2012, Energizer Malaysia and its appointed race director, Twenty First Century Sports, will be organising a running clinic for participants on the 31st March at Taman Tasik Lembah Kiara (a.k.a TTDI Park), Taman Tun Dr Ismail.

National marathon coach and former national marathon champion P. Sidamparam and his team of coaches will be heading the running clinic, covering basic training and running techniques as well as safety tips for around 100 registered runners and 80 youth from Kiwanis Malaysia, the charity partner of Energizer Night Race 2012.

Kiwanis Malaysia will also be having their Kiwanis One Day community event to clean up Taman Tasik Lembah Kiara after the running clinic. The youth from Kiwanis Malaysia will range from 10 to 20 years old and will come from Kiwanis’ K-KIDS, Builders Club, Key Club and Circle K school societies.

Sunday, March 18, 2012

Oohhh...Sammi Cheng is a runner! Yes, she'll be making her way to the launch of a brand new collection of shoes by Skechers on 21 March 2012, at Pavilion. Time, around 5:30pm.

The series of shoes called GO (within the group, you will find GOrun, GOtrain and GOwalk) are super lightweight and flexible - excellent for training and running! The shoes also come in a range of some of the most brightest, cheerful colors combo for a punch of style and fun.

We just got invite to witness the Official Launch called GO Skechers! GO Sammi! to introduce the new Asean Spokesperson, International Artiste, Sammi Cheng.

Saturday, March 17, 2012

Awesome! Jessie J sounds good on her album and sounds even better LIVE! This girl got pipes! We are blown away at her first concert at Surf Beach, Sunway Lagoon, Malaysia!

She opens the show with the energetic Who's Laughing Now.

Jessie dominates the stage with that amazing red dress! We couldn't take our eyes off her. ;)

There's no slowing down in terms of her vocal! She wows us. She amazes us with her vocal acrobatics and pouring her emotions into songs like Rainbow, Stand Up / One Lovec(Bob Marley cover), L.O.V.E., Casualty of Love, Nobody's Perfect etc.

And of course we sing along with her. :D Malaysians are the best crowd!

Ain't about the cha-ching, cha-ching! Ain't about the ba-bling, ba-bling! Wanna make the world dance Forget about the price tag! :D

Do It Like A Dude? Heheh!

We are loving every minute of the show!

I'm glad that I caught the Jessie J concert here at her prime. Unlike some artistes who only come to perform in Malaysia in their twilight years. Heheh!

Jessie J Live In Malaysia is presented by Tune Talk and brought to you by JS Concert Productions. :D

Energizer Night Race regains runners’ support for third instalment at Sepang International Circuit

KUALA LUMPUR, 16 March 2012 – The Energizer Night Race 2012 has achieved its targeted number of participants within only three weeks of its launch, promising a night running event that will re-inspire participants and consumers with a new theme – “For a Brighter World”.

Since the official launch on the 15th of February, a total of 5,000 places in all categories were filled by the 6th of March in an amazing display of participant support since last year’s event. The original closing date was set for the 23rd of March.

Mike Foong, Managing Director of Energizer Malaysia Sdn Bhd said, “We are truly humbled by the enthusiastic response showed by all registrations this year. Although there are still many who would like to participate in the race, we will cap registrations at our targeted number in order to ensure a safe and enjoyable run for all.”

“We at Energizer Malaysia recognise how we can do better than before and deliver a sporting event that embodies our aspirations and corporate responsibility. We sincerely thank all parties for their support and input since last year’s race and look forward to a better and improved Energizer Night Race 2012 that truly brings Energizer’s That’s Positivenergy campaign to life,” Foong added.

The Energizer Night Race 2012 is Energizer Malaysia’s third night running event, and has been held annually since the inaugural night race at Cyberjaya in 2010. This year’s race will be held at the Sepang International Circuit on the 21st of April this year and will see runners from three categories – 42km, 15.5km and 5.5km – competing on the iconic Sepang International Circuit racetrack in part or in its entirety.

In the spirit of the That’s Positivenergy campaign, this year’s race sees Energizer partnering with the Malaysian District of Kiwanis, an international not-for-profit organisation well-known for its established initiatives such as the Kiwanis Down Syndrome Foundation and the Service Leadership Program (SLP), an international youth development program that provides leadership training for young people.

Under the partnership, Energizer will be contributing RM10 per successful race registration to children with disabilities and learning difficulties as well as children development and learning programs by Kiwanis Malaysia, totalling RM50,000 from the 5,000 participants.

Foong said, “To allow participants themselves to make a difference in the lives of children all throughout Malaysia, we put 12 special bib numbers up for auction where all proceeds will go to Kiwanis Malaysia’s programmes for children. Thanks to the generosity of our runners, bids closed on the 7th of March and we are proud to add an additional RM5,700 to the charity fund.”

Energizer Malaysia will also enhance the contribution by aiming to raise another RM210,000 through the sales of Energizer products from March to May this year, where every pack sold contributes 30 sen to Kiwanis Malaysia. In an added act of generosity, Energizer’s key distributors and business partners have pledged additional amounts that now puts the total charity contribution target at an impressive RM345,000.

The various fund-raising initiatives will benefit Kiwanis Malaysia’s 20 permanent Kiwanis Centres that serve and educate children and youths living with disabilities, as well as Kiwanis’ Going to School with Kiwanis programme that equips primary schoolchildren from poor families with a dictionary to inspire them to excel in school.

To prepare participants for the race, Energizer Malaysia has announced a running clinic at Taman Rimba Kiara Taman Tun Dr Ismail in Kuala Lumpur on the 31st of March for up to 100 participants, together with youth from Kiwanis Malaysia’s leadership development and school programmes.

The Energizer Night Race is part of a global series of races that was first launched in South Africa in 2007, and has since been held in North America, Latin America, Europe and Asia. The series’ new theme of “For a Brighter World” reflects a global partnership between Energizer and OneMillionLights.org to bring safe and clean solar lighting to people around the world who do not have access to electricity. Energizer’s worldwide operations are pledging to donate 11 million hours of light on behalf of all the registered runners worldwide.

For the Energizer Night Race in Malaysia this year, Twenty-First Century Sports Sdn Bhd has been appointed as the race organiser and director after considering feedback from previous participants as well as the company’s experience and track record. Twenty First Century Sports is a sports event specialist with an expertise in major road races and marathons, especially night races.

While registrations are now closed, the public are still welcome to come along to the Energizer Night Race as spectators for the one-of-a-kind night running event to be held at Sepang International Circuit. Visitors and supporters can expect grandstand seating to cheer runners on and a family-friendly carnival from 6pm until late on race day.

Foong concluded, “We strongly urge participants, our trade partners and consumers to support the Energizer Night Race and the life-changing opportunities it will provide for children throughout Malaysia, giving them the power for a brighter future.”

A long-distance running event that is usually run as a road race is called the “marathon”. What then do you call a run that lets you sweat and have fun, while doing charity AND running alongside your favourite celebrities?

As surreal as it may sound, ntv7 made it all possible a year ago with the inauguration of Feel Good Run. Returning for a second year in 2012, the one and only Feel Good Run continues its pledge in bringing the “feel good” factor to all participating runners.

The fun run which attracted amazing numbers in its first year including over 5,000 runners and close to 10,000 visitors, and raised more than RM140,000 for its beneficiaries, will be doing it all over again this year in Sri Pentas, Bandar Utama on 8th July, Sunday.

The mastermind behind this amazing effort is none other than Ms. Airin Zainul, Group General Manager of ntv7 & 8TV. Being an avid runner herself, Airin envisioned a platform which could cultivate healthy lifestyle amongst Malaysians, while encouraging the act of giving to those who are less fortunate.

“We are truly grateful to the support given by the public in the first year where we took a leap of faith in organising this fun run. We were overjoyed when runners thank us for making their day a “feel good day” – that’s the kind of feeling which we get that’s priceless,” says Airin.

Coming in as main sponsors for Feel Good Run 2012 are world’s leading cat and dog food – WHISKAS and PEDIGREE – both of which are brands under MARS, world’s renowned petcare, chocolate, confection, food & drink company.

“We take pride in being a responsible organisation so when the opportunity came for us to support an initiative that will eventually benefit PAWS Animal Welfare Society Malaysia amongst others, we did not hesitate to participate. As a leading global food company, Mars is committed to addressing health and wellness issues and promoting healthy lifestyles. And events like Feel Good Run by ntv7 is definitely in line with this commitment,” says Ms. Ng See Meng, Marketing Director of MARS Southeast Asia.

“As the main sponsor, we will be driving communication efforts to maximize exposure of the Feel Good Run 2012 and ultimately the beneficiaries of the initiative,” she added.

With Twenty First Century Sports being appointed again as the Run Management, Feel Good Run 2012 offers the following categories:

• Feel Good Run – 7km, aged 13 and above

• Run with Celebrities – 3km, aged 13 and above

• Costume Fun Run – 3km, aged 13 and above

• Kids Run – 700m, aged 12 and below

The Organising Committee has also came out with a tagline this year – Do Good, Feel Good! – created to inspire the public to have a big heart for those in need, which not only include humans, but also animals with proceeds to be channeled equally to four participating beneficiaries – Kiwanis Down Syndrome Foundation, Pure Life Society, PAWS Animal Welfare Society Malaysia, and Yayasan Chow Kit.

Pet lovers will also be thrilled to know that there will be something special for the animals too. Feel Good Run will be introducing a unique platform for pet lovers to run with their pets on special circuit. Stay tune for more details from the Organiser.

Meanwhile, registration is open from 21st March and closes on 1st June with registration fees of RM25 for participants aged 13 and above and RM10 for those aged 12 years and below.

Registration can be done online at Feel Good Run’s official website, www.ntv7.com.my/feelgoodrun, while manual registrations can be done at the following:

Interested participants can also email their enquiries to feelgoodrun@ntv7.com.my or call 03-56373821 for more information.

Also deemed as the nation’s most prestigious celebrity running event with over 70 participating celebrities last year including Nazrudin Rahman, Aishah Sinclair, Jehan Miskin, Jaclyn Victor, Dynas Mokhtar, Leslie Chai, and Debbie Goh, Feel Good Run 2012 will once again be enlivened with the participation of a host of beloved entertainment and media personalities.

Joining the press conference today to witness the launch of Feel Good Run 2012 are ntv7 hosts and news anchors, Nazrudin Rahman, Joanne de Rozario, Daphne Iking, Melissa Ong, and Fazilah Hani Harun; 8TV host, Julie Woon; Hot FM radio announcers, Suraya and Deen; Fly FM radio announcer, Ben; and one FM radio announcers, William and Wayne. The full list of 2012’s participating celebrities will only be announced by the Organiser in early May.

While Airin admits that the planning and execution of a mass run as this is as hard as running a TV station, she also assures runners that Feel Good Run 2012 will be a unique and exciting run to look forward to.

“No run out there has what Feel Good Run is offering. First timers will be able to enjoy the short 3km run, while experienced runners could take on the 7km route as a recovery run after and before other marathons. What’s more exciting, runners will also get a rare opportunity to run alongside their favourite celebrities. And for those who wish to express themselves creatively could also sign up for the Costume Run, while doing charity at the same time,” Airin adds.

“We strongly urge participation from the public as well as corporations to support this initiative,” she concludes.

Joining forces to make the event a success are running partners from Hot FM, Fly FM, one FM, New Straits Times, Berita Harian, and Health Today. For more information on the run, log on to www.ntv7.com.my/feelgoodrun.

The inaugural Feel Good Run is organised in conjunction with ntv7’s 13th anniversary and aims to spread joy among friends and family while having fun and getting healthy. The TV station will also be celebrating its 14th anniversary this year with Feel Good Run 2012.

Check out the special message from ntv7 General Manager, Ms Airin Zainul exclusively for runwitme's blog readers:

Note: You can start logging to www.ntv7.com.my/feelgoodrun to register starting March 21, not as announced in the video. I guess Ms Airin was too excited to get you to sign up. LOL!

About Me

This is a virtual invitation for you to RUN WITH ME in most road races all over my beautiful country, MALAYSIA and also in oversea places that I have visited.... Don’t run in front of me, I do not want to chase you. Don’t run behind me, I don’t want to be pursued. Run beside me…and share my PASSION.

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Note To Race Organisers/ Promoters

If you want to drum up your events (not limited to roadraces) in this blog, feel free to send me your press releases, entry forms, flyers, maps, invitations to your launchings etc. I would be delighted to get the first hand info for the readers of this blog.